The old secateurs no longer cut as it used to be? Are the cuts uneven and jagged, and the blades of the pruning shears show wear? This is a sign that it needs to be sharpened. Don't throw him away just yet and give him a second chance. Seehow to sharpen the secateursto cut like a razor again! We suggest how to properly sharpen different types of secateurs. Here is a step-by-step photo-instruction for sharpening the secateurs.
Sharpening the secateurs
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Step 1 - clean the secateurs
First clean the pruning shearsso that there is no dirt on it.A toothbrush and soapy water will help. For cleaning garden tools, we recommend garden soap with garlic, which also has disinfecting properties. It is important not to transfer bacteria and plant diseases to the tools. The tools can also be disinfected with alcohol.Universal solvent and a paper nail file may also be useful to wipe away stronger dirt.
Step 2 - determine the type of secateurs
Before we start sharpening, it is also necessary to determine what type of secateurs we have. This is very important becausetraditional passing-blade secateurs are sharpened only on one side, and the blade of the anvil secateurs is sharpened on both sides .
In a traditional passing pruner, the mechanism consists of a cutting blade and an opposite smooth end heel on which the cut twig rests. When cutting, the blade passes the heel. The inside of the blade (rubbing against the heel) must be smooth and this side should not be sharpened. Sharpen the blade only on the outer side!
Secateurs with passing blade
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
In an anvil pruner, the blade does not miss the anvil, but rests on it. The cut is complete when the blade makes contact with the anvil.In such a pruner we sharpen the blade from both sides .
Anvil secateurs
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Step 3 - unscrew the secateurs
Sharpening will be easier if you unscrew the pruner firstThen you can more easily reach the entire surface of the blade with the whetstone or file.Before unscrewing, however, make sure you know how to reconnect fold the pruner. Secateurs vary in design and some are very simple to assemble, while others can be quite complicated.
Secateurs after unscrewing
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Step 4 - sharpen the secateurs
Place a metal file or a stone whetstone on the blade at a 45 ° angle and move in one direction - from the blade outwards . Make the return movement after the file is removed from the blade. This is very important because rubbing the blade back and forth will tear it and damage it.
Place the file on the blade at an angle of 45 ° and move in one direction - from the blade outwards
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
In the passing pruner we only sharpen the outer side of the blade!
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Sharpening is finished when the sharpened surface is perfectly smoothand the blade is even and sharp. Maybe it takes some time - from a few dozen to even several dozen minutes!
Important!For sharpening the secateurs, choose a file with the smallest possible gradation so as not to tear the blade. We especially recommend the pruning shears available in our store.
Step 5 - assemble the secateurs
If the pruning shears have been unscrewed before sharpening, reassemble them.After sharpening, it is worth oiling moving parts . You can use any machine oil for this.
Note!Cheaper secateurs are made of steel coated with Teflon, which protects them against corrosion. The protective Teflon layer will be worn away during sharpening. Therefore, after the first sharpening, such secateurs must be protected against moisture, i.e. wiped dry after each use and stored in a dry place.
How to become confident in pruning plants?
If you are unsure how to cut or simply afraid to do it, the fantastic book "Cutting School" will help you.Thanks to it, you will gain confidence in pruning plants and learn to cut plants so that they grow according to your expectations. After reading this book, your approach to pruning plants will probably change completely!
